[Jay S]

200R4 is the easiest overdrive swap in this. It is the only OD tranny that is a direct bolt in from a TH350, same driveshaft, same transmission yoke, no bell housing adapter, speedometer hooks up stock, no electronics, add a TV cable and it is mostly done. Takes some upgrades to make them hold up to a 455, an Art Carr 200R4 is rated from 750HP for something like $3700, which is overkill on this, but a really nice transmission. Most shops can build a 200R4 cheaper than that for a 450HP combo.

I mentioned the 700R4 earlier only because I thought the 3.06 first gear would help get the car moving with the 2.73s the car has now with the 8.2 BOP rear end and still work later if it got swapped to 3.73 gears to utilize the overdrive more. 700R4 is my least favorite of the GM overdrive’s though. 700R4 is geared better for a truck than a car IMHO. 4L80 is a nice heavy duty tranny to swap in, but it is a bit of a project (read JLmouce’s post).

[HWYSTR455]

The 4L80e install thread has some good info in it:

https://forums.maxperformanceinc.com...=4L80e+install

I also on another thread did a cost comparison between a 4L80e and a 200R4, and proved the 4L80e is less expensive. And the 4L80e is even less expensive now. And considering my experiences with the 200R4, I will say they don't last in a performance app. (Not even going to go into that conversation).

You can get VSS to a cable drive box less expensive than doing a tailshaft, and that's only if you refuse to change to an electronic speedo.

Not going to get into a gear vendor debate either, but if you like changing the fluid ever 5k miles, among other things, there is no comparison to a 4L80e.

As for 8.5s, to do one 'right' costs very close to a moser 12, and the moser 12 is lightyears ahead of an 8.5 AND any OE 12 housing. I did an 8.5 for the 442, and I regret it every time I think about or see the car.

If you're going to do something, anything, do it right the first time and you will never have to worry about it again. If you don't have the money to do it right, save until you do have the money. (It costs more to do it twice).


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